Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM
The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.
She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.
Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.
She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.
Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.
She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.
She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.
Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.
Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.
All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
Thursday, 30 January 2020
VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned
VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned
The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).
Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.
He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.
He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.
“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.
Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.
“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.
The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.
For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my
-- BERNAMA
The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).
Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.
He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.
He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.
“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.
Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.
“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.
The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.
For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 27 January 2020
No plans to bar China tourists
No plans to bar China tourists
Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.
“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.
“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.
He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.
Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.
He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.
“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.
He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.
“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.
“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”
He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.
“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?
“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.
He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.
He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.
China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.
As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.
“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.
But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.
“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.
“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.
He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.
~The Star~
Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.
“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.
“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.
He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.
Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.
He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.
“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.
He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.
“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.
“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”
He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.
“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?
“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.
He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.
He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.
China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.
As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.
“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.
But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.
“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.
“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.
He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.
~The Star~
Saturday, 25 January 2020
Thursday, 23 January 2020
Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase
Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase
The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).
“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.
He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.
Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.
As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.
Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.
In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.
In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama
The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).
“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.
He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.
Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.
As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.
Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.
In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.
In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama
Penang on high alert for possible spread of virus
Penang on high alert for possible spread of virus
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has instructed the Penang Health Department to be on high alert for the possibility of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said although the virus had not spread to the country, it was important to be prepared to prevent it from coming to our shores.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 and Experience Penang 2020, I will ensure all units from the health department will be extra vigilant in exercising caution to prevent the virus from spreading.
“Thermal screening will be compulsory at all gates for international flights at the Penang International Airport.
“This proactive measure is to ensure the spread of the contagious virus can be contained, ” he added.
Dr Afif also advised Penangites who returned from China in the last 14 days and with symptoms such as a cough and fever to immediately get checked at any public or private hospital.
State tourism, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin urged tourism stakeholders to also be vigilant following the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Yeoh said tourism players needed to take precautionary measures, with China’s authorities confirming that the virus could potentially pass from person to person.
“We have many attractions which are popular among domestic and international tourists who come from many countries.
“I hope tourism players, especially the frontliners, have the awareness to take preventive measures, ” he said in a statement yesterday.
“If anyone displayed symptoms including high fever, cough and breathing difficulty, they should visit the nearest clinic for an examination, ” he said.
Penang is a popular destination for Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has instructed the Penang Health Department to be on high alert for the possibility of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said although the virus had not spread to the country, it was important to be prepared to prevent it from coming to our shores.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 and Experience Penang 2020, I will ensure all units from the health department will be extra vigilant in exercising caution to prevent the virus from spreading.
“Thermal screening will be compulsory at all gates for international flights at the Penang International Airport.
“This proactive measure is to ensure the spread of the contagious virus can be contained, ” he added.
Dr Afif also advised Penangites who returned from China in the last 14 days and with symptoms such as a cough and fever to immediately get checked at any public or private hospital.
State tourism, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin urged tourism stakeholders to also be vigilant following the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Yeoh said tourism players needed to take precautionary measures, with China’s authorities confirming that the virus could potentially pass from person to person.
“We have many attractions which are popular among domestic and international tourists who come from many countries.
“I hope tourism players, especially the frontliners, have the awareness to take preventive measures, ” he said in a statement yesterday.
“If anyone displayed symptoms including high fever, cough and breathing difficulty, they should visit the nearest clinic for an examination, ” he said.
Penang is a popular destination for Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
Monday, 20 January 2020
VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity
VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity
A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).
‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’
Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.
‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.
Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).
Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.
He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.
‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’
Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.
‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.
He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’
Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.
For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.
Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.
~New Straits Times~
A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).
‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’
Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.
‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.
Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).
Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.
He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.
‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’
Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.
‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.
He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’
Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.
For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.
Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.
~New Straits Times~
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